How many significant figures are there in 0.00236
I think its 5, anyone can help
Three. The first two zeros don't count. Here is a good site on s.f. Post again if you still need help.
http://www.chemteam.info/SigFigs/SigFigs.html
thanks a lot for your help and the site
To determine the number of significant figures in a given number, follow these steps:
1. Non-zero digits are always significant. In the given number, "0.00236," the digits "2," "3," and "6" are all non-zero, so they are significant.
2. Zeros located between non-zero digits are also significant. Therefore, the "0" between the "2" and the "3" is significant.
3. Leading zeros, which are zeros to the left of the first non-zero digit, are not significant. In this case, the leading zeros before the "2" are not significant.
4. Trailing zeros, which are zeros to the right of the last non-zero digit, can be significant or insignificant, depending on whether there is a decimal point present. If there is a decimal point, as is the case in "0.00236," then all trailing zeros to the right of the last non-zero digit are considered significant. Therefore, the trailing zero after the "6" is significant.
Based on these guidelines, the number "0.00236" has four significant figures: "2," "3," "6," and "0."
Therefore, the answer is that there are four significant figures in 0.00236, not five as you originally thought.